Laboratory Animal Care Technician I - Entry Level

Oregon Health & Science University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage for full-time

Term life insurance

Pension plans

Vacation and sick leave

Holidays

Job summary

Oregon Health & Science University seeks a Laboratory Animal Husbandry Technician 1 to support the care of a wide range of animals across the vivarium. You will work under supervision, perform daily husbandry, monitor animals, and document observations to ensure health and welfare in line with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities include cage changes, feeding, adjustments to environments, and preparation for new arrivals.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Skill in making careful visual observations.
• Skill in communicating verbally and in writing.
• Skill in performing basic arithmetical calculations.
• Skill in handling, restraint, identification and sexing common varieties of laboratory animals.
• Skill in keeping accurate records.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Transports supplies and equipment needed to support the health and wellbeing of laboratory animals. Changes cages and accessory equipment as needed as well as on a predetermined schedule.
• Observes animals for health and wellbeing. Reports physical or behavioral abnormalities promptly in writing. Records observations in the clinical record. Administers medications and treatments to animals as instructed by the veterinary staff. Monitors the environment in animal areas for changes or potential hazards to animals and experimental protocol. Reports any changes to supervisor.
• Maintains and sanitizes animal rooms and support areas. Includes sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, washing and disinfecting floors, walls ceilings, sinks and other equipment. Handle feed and bedding appropriately. Rotates oldest material to be used first. Maintains clean supply of feed and bedding in animal room containers and label appropriately.
• Maintains records as required by DCM standard operating procedure and federal regulation or guidelines. Keeps accurate census records for billing purposes.
• Prepares for arrival of new animals. Uncrates and houses animals according to standard operating procedures. Inspects shipment to ensure the specifications of the order have been met. Reports any problems with the shipment or the condition of the animals to the Supervisor. Identifies the animals and initiates records. Observes animals closely post-arrival to assure adjustment to the new environment.
• Performs humane euthanasia as instructed according to standard operating procedure and the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia.
• Handles and cares for animals in specialized colonies. This may include specific pathogen free, transgenic, or barrier-reared animals. Follows standard operating protocols, follows a clean-to-dirty workflow, minimizes cross contamination of potential pathogens and complies with special procedures.
• Handles and cares for animals that have been experimentally exposed to chemicals, pathogens or radioactive materials. Must follow detailed safety instructions for personal protection as well as for the protection of other animals and people in the area.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Observation skills

Verbal & written communication

Basic arithmetic

Animal handling & restraint

Record keeping

Valid driver's license

Education

High School diploma or GED

Direct experience with animals

Job description

Oregon Health & Science University seeks a Laboratory Animal Husbandry Technician 1 to support the care of a wide range of animals across the vivarium. You will work under supervision, perform daily husbandry, monitor animals, and document observations to ensure health and welfare in line with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities include cage changes, feeding, adjustments to environments, and preparation for new arrivals.